Tag Archives: creativity

Despite a decade of experience in the classroom, I still consider myself a new teacher in a lot of ways. First and foremost, I am a lifelong learner who tries to keep life interesting and relevant in the classroom. I don’t want to keep doing the same old things in the same old way just because that’s the way I’ve always done it.

I try to start each year with what worked from the previous year and change-up what didn’t work as well. Everything is up for grabs. I review policies, processes, procedures and lesson plans. I’m always on the search for ways to make my life at school and home more efficient and productive.

Of course I ask the teachers I know in real life about their classrooms and my on site teacher friends are a great resource for ideas especially when helping my tougher behavior kids. They are a living history of the previous year and they have experience with each family. Asking previous teachers for ideas has been beyond helpful.

But what about learning about new things that no one else in your area is doing? Like student blogging or integrating technology into the classroom? What about ideas for lessons you’ve never done before? Where do you go to find ideas?

A few years ago I joined Twitter and started dropping in on Wednesday evenings New Teacher chat and started following teachers from around the country. What I’ve discovered is that generous, smart, efficient, teacher leaders live all over the country and willingly share their ideas (for free!) online through their blogs, podcasts and tweets. I feel like I’ve discovered a hidden treasure!

Not only do I get new ideas from these resources, I’ve been able to share my ideas and lo and behold, the more ideas I share, the more ideas come to me. Creativity and generosity begets creativity and generosity!

So, where do you get your brilliant teachery ideas? How do you keep your teaching fresh and creative? Who is in your professional learning community? What new resources can you share here?

I’ve found some links to posts that made me laugh, cry, think or at least raise an eyebrow. Please click the links and check out the posts. You may find something that rocks your world too.

Leave me some feedback in the form of comments below on what you liked, what you hated and what you’d like to see more of. I’m here to help you find the best of what is online.

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My Best Of…

As a teacher and mom-to-be I am very interested in the topic of classic play for kids. No plugs, no batteries, no bells or whistles – basically how I grew up playing. Being a kid of the 70’s really was all about having a ton of free time to create from our own imagination: games, imaginary play, arts and crafts with the supplies from around the house. Seems quaint now, but there is a lot of value in being able to create something from nothing.

Kyla Roma wrote a wonderful post about Making Space for A Creative Life. I especially loved the part about not needing to quit your day job in order to have a life filled with creativity as much of the blogosphere would lead you to believe. It’s all in the intention and attention. Hallelujah!

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Do you ever find it difficult to say nice things about yourself? I didn’t think I did until Sarah Von from Yes and Yes challenged all of us to discuss All The Ways We’re Adorable.

Need a little confidence boost? Check out Lady Smaggle guest posting on Just A Titch.

I teach stressed out people (mostly teachers and moms) to take time for themselves to recharge their batteries and chill the eff out. We mostly do this by lying over bolsters and blankets and trying not to talk too much.

Interested in learning more about restorative yoga and ways to make your life a nicer place to be? I'd love to connect with you.